The Roles of Packaging

The product packaging industry is a large one and covers the roles of maintaining product freshness or integrity during transport as well as being a way to showcase and market product.

In many cases the packaging is also functional providing clever ways to dispense or even help apply or use the product. A classic example would be the SQOTS™ range of products having functional packaging that also provides a brand recognition and makes using ordinarily fidly adhesives very easy to use.

Packaging may be described as the process of enclosing or containing product in bottles, plastic bags, wrappers, jars, cartons and/or boxes, etc. Unfortunately, when we purchase or receive products we only see a very brief moment in that products cycle, often giving little thought to the processes and preparation involved in the packaging when we open the box/botte/jar use the product and discard the packaging. If we take a closer look, the package has allowed for storage, displaying useful information regarding the product, its contents, weight, size, price, and necessary instruction about the usage and storage, as well as the transportation of the goods and in some cases even the application of the product. It is important to know what goes on behind the scenes. Understanding packaging can help us better understand the everyday packaging we use and often simply discard without a second thought.

Not only raising product value and appeal, a very important function of packaging is protecting the product from problems associated with transport, shipping and storage. Today’s consumers often select products based on how easy they are to carry, how eye-catching they are and how convenient the product is to open and use. Packaging reduces the risk of waste, spoilage, leakage, evaporation and damage during both transportation and storage.

Purposes of Packaging

1. Protecting Product Integrity

Packaging protects products from exposure to dust, bacteria and climatic conditions such as temperature, radiation, humidity, rain and sun. Through packaging, the products are kept factory-fresh. The packaging must be capable to withstand the transportation, handing and storage.

2. Easy Product Recognition and Convenience

Every producer has their own distinct packaging, different from others with respect to design, size, color, function and other specifications. Packaging helps us in the easy identification and immediate selection and review of the product. The right kind of packaging provides customers the convenience of consuming products any time and at the place of their choosing. Great packaging makes products easy to carry as well as easy to open and use.

3. Sales and Marketing

Packaging and labelling boosts the commercial appeal of products and make the sales process easier and more effective. The promotional material on the label is designed to communicate directly and attract the attention of potential buyers as well as have a positive influence on purchasing decisions. Packaging promotes sales as well as building the image of a product and its producers.

4. Improving Logistics Efficiency

The packaging is a crucial factor on the efficiency of the transportation, processing and storage of goods. Activities should be easily carried out while the product is lifted and moved efficiently and safely.

Responsibility to the Environment

While most packaging businesses have their attention in growing their market, many more responsible companies are also looking after the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), packaging is responsible for up to one-third of the nonindustrial waste in developed countries. While it is almost impossible to avoid packaging altogether, you can choose products that do limited damage. In doing so, you will support businesses that are making an effort to produce eco-friendly products.

The right packaging material can be the difference between successfully shipping a fragile item or having it arrive in pieces. If you are unsure what kind of packaging your product needs, contact your supplier of packaging material for expert advice.